Overview

The Theatre and Performance Major is offered by Purchase College SUNY. The BA program in theatre and performance offers a world-class liberal arts education in the theatre, where students combine scholarship and artistic practice to create original and socially engaged performances.

Key Facts

From global classics to cutting-edge interdisciplinary work, the theatre and performance major encourages creativity, intellectual curiosity, and social engagement through a hybrid “liberal arts within a conservatory” degree program. Learning from award-winning instructors who are professional artists and published scholars, students gain practical experience while enriching their understanding of diverse theatre traditions across eras and cultures. The core requirements provide students with a strong foundation in theatre history, dramatic literature, and stagecraft, with opportunities to focus on applied theatre, devised theatre, directing, dramaturgy, ensemble creation, performance, playwriting, scholarship, and theatre production. Topical courses offer deep dives into subjects such as Asian American Theatre, Black American Drama, Contemporary US Latinx Theatre, Documentary Theatre, Dramatic Theory, LGBTQ Drama, Satire, Solo Performance, Transmedia, and Women in Performance. Our robust production calendar offers numerous opportunities to be involved in theatrical performances. Whether working with a professional director on a Mainstage production or creating original performances for their senior projects, theatre and performance students are engaged in making vibrant theatre that emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and social change.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Theatre and Performance Studies

Theatre and Performance Production

Shakespeare Then and Now

Theatre Histories

Production Practicum
Dramatic Literature

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-03 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00

More details

Fall: Rolling Admissions

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Drama View 1333 other Bachelors in Drama in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Generally, successful freshman applicants have earned a GPA of 3.0 (or 85 on a 100 point scale).Purchase does not require scores from the SAT or ACT exam (with exceptions), though applicants are given the option to submit them. It is recommended that test scores be submitted only if it is believed to benefit the application. For applicants who are considering submitting scores, we typically prefer the following:

SAT: 1170 total score; minimum Reading score of 24
ACT: 24 Composite

Students who are required to submit test scores include:

Applicants who are homeschooled
International students, who will need to provide a TOEFL score
Applicants who attended secondary schools that provide only narrative evaluations rather than some form of grading scale

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

17670 USD / year

≈ 17670 USD / year
Out-of-State

17670 USD / year

≈ 17670 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

7070 USD / year

≈ 7070 USD / year

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Theatre and Performance.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

New York City

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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